Something to worry about? :(

[RachealHampson]

Can anyone help me, I look after a 10 yr old cob mare (she isn't mine), recently she hasn't looked sound she isn't lame but her back end just doesn't look right. She looks stiff when in trot and her back end moves funny. Her canter has always been a working progress but as this has improved she looks to have stiffened up. Also when she's walking she sometimes stumbles like she's forgotten to put her leg down properly, this is only in her front legs though. She is overweight (currently on a diet) and is exercised regularly (on average 8 hours per week light hacking, plus 30 min lesson) she doesn't appear to be in any pain and picks up all feet without fuss. She has had a trapped nerve in her neck and withers area 6 months back (was sorted at the time) she is extremely hormonal and when in season is tense setting off on rides. Any ideas what this could be? She has always been fit and healthy, and has moved beautifully in walk and trot. Any advise welcome, was wondering if people thought a stifle problem?

 

[scheherazade]

Could be a stifle problem, or a hock one, or SI injury, or back or a number of other things - my best advice would be to get a vet out to check her over. Certainly we would not be able to diagnose or even narrow down the issue it on an internet forum, and especially not without seeing the mare move. Good luck

 

[Polos Mum]

A vet is probably your best bet, if she's on loan check your contract to see who's responsible for vetss fees and have a chat to the owner.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

The vet is the best person to advise you but if she were my horse, I would be asking the vet to check her ovaries/hormone levels first, I think.

 

[RachealHampson]

I'm going to speak to owner tonight about getting a vet out but as she's not mine it's not my decision was just wondering if her symptoms sounder familiar to a specific problem so I could do done research. She's in at the moment (normally lives out 24/7) to see if it's hormones or because of all the mud

 

[ridefast]

The stumbling is common in cobs who are allowed to work on their forehand. Being overweight won't help matters, if the vet doesn't find anything wrong then increase her exercise, more canter work and 6 days a week.

 

[RachealHampson]

That's what I was thinking about the stumbling and was wondering if she was stuff because I haven't ride her as much coz of weather or because she doesn't have back shoes and has moved to a stonier field. I will insist on a vet visit tonight even if I have to pay myself and see where we go from there, hopefully it's just her hormones and the things I've mentioned above. She seems to get uncomfy coming into season I always think it's like period pain, anyone else's mare get this and is there any supplements or anything I can do to ease this for her?

 

[AmyMay]

You need a vet.

 

[Equi]

Get a good chiro/sports therapist. It sounds a lot like my boy before i got him seen to and hes now perfect. I'm going to be getting my one out every year now!

 

[Shysmum]

Start with the vet, and stop riding until you have the all clear. Could be something very painful.

 

[RachealHampson]

Just spoke to owner, vets coming out tomorrow and if she gets the all clear then we're getting a physio out to her, I'm hoping it isn't a stifle problem she isn't insured

 

[AmyMay]

Great news. Keep us posted.